A whole note is a musical symbol that represents a specific duration of sound in music. It is typically depicted as an open oval shape without a stem. In common time, a whole note lasts for four beats, making it the longest note value in standard Western music notation. Whole notes are often used to create sustained sounds and can be found in various musical genres. In sheet music, whole notes are important for establishing rhythm and timing. They can be combined with other note values, such as half notes and quarter notes, to create more complex rhythms. Musicians use whole notes to convey a sense of calm or to emphasize particular moments in a piece.